Volquez gets back to work with Padres

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Pitcher Edinson Volquez didn't just return to Padres camp Friday after his World Baseball Classic stint with the Dominican Republic.

He jumped right back into action.

Volquez tossed two scoreless innings in a Minor League game against the Mariners' Triple-A team, as he struck out three and threw 29 pitches.

San Diego manager Bud Black indicated Volquez will throw a bullpen session Sunday and then get in a game sometime mid-week.

"Everything is good right now," Volquez said. "I threw a lot of first-pitch strikes; I used all my pitches. One or two more starts and I'll be ready to go."

The Padres haven't named a starting pitcher for Opening Day on April 1, though Volquez could be in line for his second Opening Day start in as many years for the team.

Before Friday, Volquez last pitched in the Dominican Republic's Classic semifinal victory Monday over the Netherlands. He allowed one run in five innings and was the winning pitcher. He did so while fighting off a nasty bout with the flu.

Volquez was so sick that he slept through most of the Dominican Republic's victory Tuesday against the Puerto Rico. He was curled up in the clubhouse and nearly missed the celebration.

"I woke up with two outs in the ninth, in time to join the guys and celebrate," he said. "It was great ... the best feeling in the world."

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.